It was the French who caught the eye in round one with six of their eight teams winning, including Stade Rochelais and Toulon away from home.
There are seven changes to the starting XV, including two new caps in the pack, while there is also a first start for Sam Prendergast.
A perennial problem for Irish rugby is once again rearing its ugly head.
It was last May when the Jim O'Toole and James Sandford Atlas consortium became owners of the Sixways-based club that hasn't played since its suspension by the RFU in September 2022.
Ulster will be boosted on Friday by the return of some of their World Cup players for their clash against United Rugby Championship winners Munster at the Kingspan Stadium.
Worcester Warriors will be renamed Sixways Rugby as ownership group Atlas revealed the club will not feature in next season’s Championship.
Kiwi-born Ireland star Bundee Aki has been named to captain his side against the Maori All Blacks in Hamilton on Wednesday.